Equation Maker Overview

Use PDF as the export format for the highest quality resolution. Use PNG only in cases where PDF is not supported.

There are two ways to save equations.

Save the equation in the left-hand side table.

Save the equation to a PDF file by dragging the equation to the Desktop/Finder or selecting File->Export in the menu. You can then restore the equation by dragging the PDF file on to the equation view.

To insert plain text, use the \text{ text here } command. To inline math inside a text command, surround the math with "$" characters. Example: \text{if and only if $x > 0$}

For multi-line equations, use the \begin{align} equation\end{align} environment command

The characters $, &, {, } and _ have special meaning in LaTeX and are reserved. To use these actual characters, precede them with a slash (escape): \. Example: \% prints the percentage sign.

Special functions such the trigonometric functions can be used as commands. Examples: \sin{\theta}, \exp(x)

Using LaTeX code instead of in-line equation editing (such as Microsoft Equation Editor) may seem strange if you are new to it. However once you learn the common commands, using them is faster than clicking through a palette menu.

Equation Maker Interface

Typesetting equations

Enter your LaTeX equation code into the Editor. As you type, your equation will render in the Equation View.
Matching brackets are highlighted to aid in editing. To save your equations, click the Save button in the toolbar. You can select a saved equation in the Saved Equations table.

The Palette

To view the palette, click the Palette button in the toolbar. The palette helps in recalling the LaTeX commands for common math elements, including math expressions, symbols, greek letters, character decorations and arrows. Click a button in the palette to insert the corresponding command in the Editor.

Changing Equation Color

Select the Color button in the toolbar to change the color of the equation.

Zooming

You can zoom the Equation View in and out using the slider on the toolbar.

Exporting Equations

To export an equation for use in another application, drag it from the Equation View and drop it into the application. To save as a file, drag and drop it onto the desktop or in a Finder window or select File->Export from the menu. You can export it as either a PDF or PNG. Choose the format using the Export Format popup button on the toolbar. Note that PDF exports a higher resolution image. Exporting to PNG is useful when PDF is not supported (for example, for inclusion on a webpage).

Saving Equations

Save an equation by clicking the Save button in the toolbar. This will add the equation to the Saved Equations table on the left side of the application's main window. You can reuse the equation later by selecting it in the table. Use the delete button to delete it from the Saved Equations table. Undo/redo (see Edit menu or Command-Z) is supported.